Leader Schumer Floor Remarks Underscoring The Importance Of U.S. Allies And NATO In Light Of British Royal Visit

Washington, D.C. - Today, Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) spoke on the Senate floor emphasizing the importance of the NATO alliance to American and European security as Congress prepares to welcome King Charles III, for his joint address to Congress. Below are Senator Schumer's remarks, which can also be viewed here:

Today, it is the great honor for both the House and Senate to welcome His Majesty King Charles III to address a joint meeting of Congress.

It has been thirty-five years since a British monarch addressed the elected representatives of the American people.

In that time, the world has changed dramatically. But in many ways, the same tests remain before us.

Conflict still grips regions across the globe. Russia grows more aggressive. The Middle East remains unstable. And the future of the transatlantic alliance hangs in the balance.

Today, the visit of King Charles III should serve as a reminder to the President of the United States and to every elected official in this country: friends and allies matter. And most of all for the security of Europe, NATO matters.

I encourage His Majesty to impress upon the President the absolute importance of NATO. I hope he's able to get Trump to listen and understand the stakes: NATO must endure. It must stay strong.

Our national security depends on it, the security of much of the world depends on it. To walk away from NATO would be a terrible mistake that will reverberate for generations and make Americans far less safe.

Trump must listen and understand the stakes.

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